The Lagos State chapter of the All Progressive Congress has responded to loyalists of the former Governor of Lagos, Akinwumi Ambode who vowed never to support the presidential ambition of former Governor Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Loyalists of Ambode, represented by the former Commissioner for Energy and Mineral Resources, Wale Oluwo, had said also that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has performed poorly in his three years in the saddle.
Oluwo spoke on a radio programme City where he also berated the Governors Advisory Council of being a mere NGO that is not known to the constitution of the APC.
The group had said that it is the right of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo or any other person to seek to contest the presidential ticket of the APC.
But responding in a statement made available to the NPO Reports, the party said Ambode’s group is unknown to Lagos APC.
“Our attention has been drawn to the distractive interview by a faceless group which calls itself Akinwunmi Ambode Campaign Group led by one Olawale Oluwo,” the statement signed by Hon. Yesiro Karamo
Acting Publicity Secretary stated
It said the promoters of the group, “if they are truly members of Lagos State All Progressives Congress,” ought to know that the activities of clandestine groups have been banned because of their divisive tendencies.
The statement went further, “It is also interesting that it has taken three years after the ouster of the Ambode administration in the state for such a group to spring up and claim relevance.
However, they could be pardoned because it is in the spirit of the season.”
The statement added that the Lagos state APC had earlier made it clear that the endorsement of the Governance Advisory Council (GAC ) for another term in office did not foreclose the ambition of any other member.
“As a Democratic Party, we remain committed to provide a level playing for all aspirants for various offices and ensure internal democracy.
“It is distasteful and unacceptable for a group purportedly committed to our party to take on the role of the opposition within,” it added
The party said it welcomes back members who hitherto left, adding that “we need to caution them not to unnecessarily heat up the polity with unguided utterances. In their absence, the party successfully conducted congresses at the ward, local, state and national levels to fill party offices.”
It said the process of reconciliation is also in Lagos State making steady progress.
It added, “Therefore, our returning members will be expected to conduct themselves in a manner acceptable under our party’s constitution, rules and guidelines.
“As a party, we remain proud of the landmark achievements of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-olu.
“He has not only kept faith with kernel of his social contract with Lagosians, the THEMES agenda, he has returned the state to the path of steady progress. He has been a symbol of responsible, stable, responsive , humane and humble leadership. He has indeed delivered on the policies and the politics.”